Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe
Introduction
These Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks bring the classic pizzeria flavor right into your kitchen. Soft, buttery dough topped with a blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and savory seasonings makes for an irresistible snack or appetizer. Perfect for dipping in marinara sauce and sharing with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp warm water (110°F), divided
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, thinly sliced
- 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
- ½ cup warm water (110°F), divided
- Marinara sauce for dipping
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp garlic salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted, divided
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the yeast with half of the warm water (110°F) and set aside for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced butter, sugar, and salt. Pour in the remaining warm water and let it sit while the yeast activates.
- Step 3: After 5 minutes, whisk the butter mixture until somewhat combined.
- Step 4: Add the egg yolk and the activated yeast mixture to the bowl, then stir in the flour until just incorporated.
- Step 5: Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by brushing it with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
- Step 6: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared dish, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Step 8: Remove the plastic wrap, brush the top of the dough with the remaining melted butter, and generously sprinkle with mozzarella, parmesan, garlic salt, and oregano.
- Step 9: Bake for 28-31 minutes, until the edges turn deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Step 10: Let the breadsticks cool for 10 minutes before cutting into 8 even pieces. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking.
- Use whole milk mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- Brush the breadsticks with garlic butter after baking for extra flavor.
- Try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley for freshness.
Storage
Store any leftover cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness and melty cheese. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Reduce the proofing time since instant yeast activates faster, and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking.
PrintPizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe
These Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks are soft, buttery breadsticks topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, seasoned with garlic and oregano, and served with marinara sauce for dipping. Inspired by the popular Pizza Hut appetizer, this homemade recipe delivers cheesy, savory goodness baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 cheese sticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 ½ tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp warm water (110°F), divided
- ½ cup warm water (110°F), divided
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, thinly sliced
- 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
Toppings & Finishing
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted, divided
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp garlic salt
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast with half of the warmed water (110°F) and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, place the thinly sliced unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Pour the remaining warm water over the mixture and allow it to sit while the yeast activates.
- Combine Mixtures: After 5 minutes, whisk the butter mixture until it is somewhat combined. Then add the lightly beaten egg yolk and the activated yeast mixture to the bowl.
- Add Flour and Form Dough: Stir in the 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour until just incorporated, creating a soft dough.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Brush a 9×13 inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of the melted butter to prevent sticking.
- Spread Dough: Evenly spread the dough in the prepared baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to slightly rise.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Add Toppings: Remove the plastic wrap from the dough. Brush the top evenly with the remaining melted butter, then generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and dried oregano over the surface.
- Bake: Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for 28 to 31 minutes, or until the edges are deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cheese sticks to cool for 10 minutes to set, then cut into 8 even pieces. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For best results, ensure water temperature is around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- You can substitute mozzarella with a blend of mozzarella and provolone for more flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a stronger and fresher taste.
- Allowing the dough to rest and slightly rise improves the texture, making the sticks tender and fluffy.
- Serve immediately after cutting for the best cheesy pull and flavor.
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